James Arthur: Nation thinks I'm a 'monster'

James Arthur has said his ''ego'' made him behave in a ''foolish'' way, and he regrets that people now see him as a ''homophobe who looks like a monster''.

James Arthur says his ''ego'' gave people the impression he was a ''monster''.

Last year's 'X Factor' UK winner has apologised again after a homophobic rant and Twitter rows have put his entire career at risk - and he insisted it was down to ''foolish pride''.

He told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ''I've been an idiot. All I can say is it was ego - foolish, foolish pride. I got ideas above my station and I made mistakes.

''It's the only excuse I'e got ... All my confidence has disappeared because the whole nation thinks I'm a homophobe who looks like a monster.''

The 'Impossible' singer admitted he'd ''had a couple of drinks'' when he recorded a track responding to rapper Mickey Worthless' own song in which he called James a ''puppet''.

He explained: ''My mates were telling me not to be a puppet and to hit back. I felt roped into it. At the time I was out with my sister and her boyfriend.

''I'd had a couple of drinks which I don't normally do. I decided to make a diss track. I made it in 15 minutes in my home studio. On reflection, it was the most immature, ridiculous thing I've ever done.

''The word 'q***r' was used in the rap which should never have been the case. In society you can't use language like that.''